as in first name
a name that is placed before one's family name
everyone calls me Jack, but my given name is John
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of given name
The operations were given names: Operation Midway Blitz, in Chicago; Operation Catahoula Crunch, in New Orleans; Operation Charlotte’s Web, in Charlotte.
—
Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2026
Why add a surname or include a father’s fathers’ given names given to me at birth to identify me?
—Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 6 Jan. 2026
The Woodward Center named the mama dog Noel, and her puppies were given names based on the Twelve Days of Christmas – Drummer, Piper, Lord, Lady, Maid, Swan, Goose, Ring, Calling Bird, French Hen, Turtle Dove and Partridge.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2025
The twins were given names based on their personalities, according to the release.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for given name
Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2026
Why add a surname or include a father’s fathers’ given names given to me at birth to identify me?
—Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 6 Jan. 2026
The Woodward Center named the mama dog Noel, and her puppies were given names based on the Twelve Days of Christmas – Drummer, Piper, Lord, Lady, Maid, Swan, Goose, Ring, Calling Bird, French Hen, Turtle Dove and Partridge.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2025
The twins were given names based on their personalities, according to the release.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for given name
Recent Examples of Synonyms for given name
Noun
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She and others who spoke with CNN for this story asked only to use their first name for privacy reasons.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
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Due to a reporting error, an earlier version of this story misspelled Nahida Bristy’s first name.—
Dan Sullivan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Never underestimate the power of a cute nickname to change hearts and minds.—
Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Apr. 2026
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But my favorite Commanders selection was Allen, a durable and powerful runner with good vision and one of the finest nicknames in sports.—
Sam Warren,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Given name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/given%20name. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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